1. What social value does Hughes see in the village feast days? Has the importance of these days changed at all over the years?

2. Why does Hughes describe in such detail the history of the Brown family and the Vale of the White Horse? How would you explain the role of the Brown family in the social system of the vale?

What features of this contained social system serve to diminish class differences?

3. What sorts of activities does Hughes consider appropriate for boys and young men? For girls and young women? Cite evidence from the book to support your answers. How might his views put him in conflict with modern critics?

4. Squire Brown debates at length over what advice he should give his son upon the boy's departure for Rugby. Do you think the squire offers Tom valid advice?